Doctoral Researcher, Mathematical Inverse Problems

As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Helsinki is the biggest university department of mathematical sciences in Finland. The department hosts several current ERC grants of the European Research Council and two Centres of Excellence of the Academy of Finland.

ERC Funded doctoral researcher position in Mathematical Inverse Problems at the University of Helsinki

Applications are invited for a doctoral researcher in mathematical inverse problems at the University of Helsinki. The position will be funded by the ERC advanced grant InversePDE - Geometric Methods in Inverse Problems for Partial Differential Equations and Centre of Excellence on Inverse Modelling and Imaging, led by Professor Matti Lassas.

Position description

The InversePDE project studies inverse problems for partial differential equations (PDEs) and geometric inverse problems. A typical inverse problem is the determination of the coefficient functions of a PDE from indirect data. The project aims to obtain unique solvability and stability results for inverse problems and to develop solution algorithms for these problems that are based on machine learning. The project will study inverse problems for linear and non-linear hyperbolic and elliptic PDEs by applying analysis, differential geometry, microlocal analysis, and probabilistic methods. The project will also combine methods of machine learning, in particular neural networks, and manifold learning techniques, with the mathematical theory of inverse problems to invent new algorithms that are rigorously guaranteed to work. We are looking for doctoral researchers interested in working on inverse problems and their applications. Women and other underrepresented groups in the field of mathematics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contract period and expected starting dates

Doctoral researcher position is for four years. Starting date may be between November 1, 2023-August 1, 2024. Application deadline is on October 1, 2023

Salary and benefits

The starting salary of a Doctoral student is typically 2400 - 2800 euros/month, depending on previous qualifications and experience.  

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply

The applicants should submit the following documents

• CV (max 2 pages)
• Cover letter detailing their familiarity with analysis of PDEs, geometry, together, and/or neural networks and other machine learning methods with their interest to study mathematical inverse problems (max 2 pages)
• Names and institutional email addresses of up to 3 references

Please submit your documents using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Applicants, who are employees of the University of Helsinki, are requested to leave their application by using the employee login. The University of Helsinki seeks to promote an equitable and inclusive working environment and welcomes applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background, or minority group.

Additional information

For further enquiry related to the position, please contact Professor Matti Lassas (Matti.Lassas(at)helsinki.fi)

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi.